Two Department of Poultry Science staff members were selected to participate in the 2025 GROW AgriLife cohort, a leadership development program focused on effective communication and professional growth.

Stephanie Klein and Lesley Gleason with their certificates
Stephanie Klein and Lesley Gleason with their certificates

Lesley Gleason, Program Manager and Lecturer, and Stephanie Klein, Extension Specialist II, participated in customized workshops focused on key leadership competencies, including transparency, performance conversations, accountability, teamwork, conflict resolution, delegation, feedback, negotiation, and resilience.

GROW AgriLife is designed to enhance leadership skills among managers and professionals across AgriLife by fostering effective communication, collaboration, and professional growth. Through a partnership with Fierce, Inc., participants engage in award-winning leadership development training with a strong emphasis on practical application.

In addition to the workshops, the program provides ongoing support through follow-up sessions, networking opportunities, and professional development resources to encourage continued growth.

Gleason and Klein's successful completion of the GROW AgriLife program reflects a continued commitment to leadership development and strengthens the Department of Poultry Science’s ability to support AgriLife’s mission in education, research, and extension.